Yes it is sad, but when I last saw Conaway on Celebrity Rehab he was in such bad shape and I really felt he wanted to die. Maybe this was now done on purpose. He was so good in Taxi and of course in Grease too...

A disease is contracted through no fault or result of a person's choices. Addiction is a result of lifestyle CHOICES. HUGE difference!!

Jack, You are so wrong. There are many diseases that are directly attributable to lifestyle choices. Std's, aids, lung cancer, coronary artery disease, heart disease, liver disease, pancreatitis are all diseases that indiduals can contract due to their lifestyle choices.

@Bob: you are actually "so wrong". The diseases you mentioned are often contributed to by behavior but all are actually linked to genetic disorders and/or human papillomavirus.
That's why you have people who smoke for decades who do not contract lung cancer, and then those who don't and get it anyway.
Drug abuse is most like a form of OCD or other behavioral addictions. I have lost family this way who had great lives and potential. They get no pity from me whatsoever. I work with people who can smoke a cigarette, enjoy it, and not smoke another one for days or weeks. Its about choice, a lack of discipline, lack of accountability, and self pity.

Why does everyone have to place conditions on their sympathy ? This one "deserves" sympathy, this one doesn't? What does it matter how he got sick? He's very ill and probably have friends and family that are hurting. I wish him and his friends and family well.

BFD....

@ Bob ...get educated on the subjest before you make such a STUPID remark!!!!

he played bobby wheeler, the guy trying to make it as an actor.

Uh....drugs are not a disease, drugs are an ADDICTION...he had a choice, and he chose to stay addicted..

people with "real diseases" are offended when you call drug addiction a disease because they have no choice....some people just have the courage to stop drugs with out any help...others "choose" to use it over and over again......I loved this guy...truly talented and could of played the lead in grease....he just went down the wrong path...

I am sad for him & his family.
Addiction is a disease... I experienced it first hand with someone I loved very much, who is in Heaven now. People who say it's not a disease either hasn't experienced it or has never known anyone personally who has suffered from it. Addiction has a control over people, even if that person tries to get better, the addiction will always be there. Some people are strong enough to fight it, and some people aren't... And for the one who said that people with diseases are offended when you call addiction a disease, well, it goes both ways... I find it offensive that you say that it's not a disease, because it is indeed a disease. Like with any other disease or sickness, it's killing the person, people do not choose to be addicted. Some people are prescribed medication and they eventually start depending on the medication, therefore, they are addicted, but they didn't choose it. And like I said, some people can get over it and some can't, because the DISEASE is so much in control.

So many people would give anything to live another day and drug addicts throw their lives away. I don't feel sad as much as disgusted.

"Disease" my rear end. One does not catch "drugs", one chooses to take them, they are "cured" when they stop taking them. Referencing addiction as a "disease" trivializes what millions of people go through dealing with cancer, et al. While I don't want to kick this person while he is down, generically, I'm sick to death of train wrecks being lionized and treated like victims. Try this: don't use.

Please, many "diseases" are preventable until we reach a ripe old age. Heart disease and many cancers are acquired through lifestyle. So please with all the righteous banter about addiction not being a "disease." It attacks one's health and has recognizable symptoms. Today, it is being viewed medically as a brain disorder.

VICKI, you have no clue and think you know it all when in reality you know very little about addiction. Please actually know what the hell you're talking about the next time you want to post multiple opinions bashing others. If dumb@ssness was a disease you would be heavily afficted! Moron.

This is in response to AngleinHeaven - Amen. I'm a recovering alcoholic, as is my mother. It really took a toll on her and nearly did kill her. Her health suffers due to this disease. And, yes, it is a disease and I am one of those offended when people say it's not, that you have a choice. Unless you've walked in the shoes of those suffering from any addiction, you have no room to speak. Oh, yes, there are other diseases out there - diabetes, heart disease which members of my family also suffer from.

I can't understand someone OD-ing on pain medication.

As someone who's had back pain for over 20 years, I can tell you that not everyone who takes pain meds is addicted. After back surgery I didn't have any problem for several years. I was able to throw the pain pills away. I loved the fact that I could function without pain and without having to take medication.

Pain meds are, without a doubt, one of the most desired drugs for people looking to get high. I never felt high while taking them. They relieved my pain so I could function.

The meds get a bad rap because of the abuse but you can't call everyone who uses them a drug addict.